Publish date: 17 November 2025
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team tell us some key facts on flu, flu prevention and myth busting
Protecting the health and wellbeing of both service users and staff means preventing and reducing the spread of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), including flu.
What you need to know about flu
- Flu is a viral infection affecting the respiratory tract and spreads easily
- The incubation period is typically 1–3 days, with peak contagiousness in the first five days
- People with weakened immunity are at higher risk of serious illness
- Flu spreads through droplets, aerosols, and direct contact. Germs from coughs and sneezes can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.
Fact: Even healthy people are at risk of getting sick from influenza. Immunity from the vaccine weakens over time, so annual vaccination is essential for everyone.
Fact: Annual vaccination is the first and most important step to protect yourself against influenza.
Fact: You cannot get flu from the vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and time-tested. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, so it’s possible to develop flu before full protection is achieved. That’s why early vaccination is important.
Fact: Influenza is a distinct viral infection and should not be confused with a cold or “stomach flu.” It can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable groups.
How to reduce the risk of spreading flu
- Get vaccinated: Annual vaccination reduces the likelihood of contracting flu or experiencing serious illness
- Wash your hands regularly: Use warm water and soap
- Practice good respiratory hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, use the bend of your elbow, not your hand; dispose of used tissues promptly
- Stay home if unwell: If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, avoid contact with others.
Vaccination guidance
Flu viruses change year on year, so vaccines are updated annually to protect against the strains predicted to circulate. This means the flu vaccine needs to be given every year.
All Mersey Care staff are encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations by attending one of our flu clinics.
Effectiveness of the flu vaccine
- The flu vaccine is your best protection against the virus
- While it may not prevent all flu viruses, vaccinated individuals who do get flu are likely to experience milder and shorter-lived symptoms
- It takes 10–14 days for your immune system to respond fully after the flu jab
- Vaccination also helps protect the wider community, reducing the risk of influenza exacerbating underlying health conditions and preventing serious illness.
Protect yourself, your colleagues, and our community - get vaccinated and help stop the spread of flu.
